Magic and the Supernatural in the Ancient World

Exam Questions

Feb. 17th and 26th: Greek and Roman Witchcraft and Binding Spells

Nick Backer

Which of the following is not category for binding curses (as discussed in Graf).
1. curses on public performers
2. amatory curses
3. curses on royalty
4. judicial curses
Give examples and discuss two "witches" and their witchcfraft practices from two of the primary sources we have read.

Derek Pepiak:dpepiak@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

When are ritual bindings used and what are they used for? Ritual bindings are used when the result of a confrontation is not yet clear and they are used to influence the course of events.
Discuss in detail the five classes of defixiones. (Graf, pages 120-121).

Derek Pepiak:dpepiak@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

What are the Greek and Latin names for a binding spell? "Katadesmos" and "defixio" respectively.
How do the representations of witches in Greek literature reflect the culture of Greece at the time in terms of the theory of boundary maintenance and the theory of mobility?

Tobin Cataldo: tcatald@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

Essay question. Compare and contrast curses to prayers.
answer. Notes.
objective question. What was the name of Homer's witch in the Odyssey?
answer. Circe.

Jason S. Lapkin

What similarities are there between binding spells/curses and prayers? A: spoken / supplicated / paraphernalia / tripartite structure
What is similar in the formats and characteristics of binding spells and erotic spells? A: see class notes.
What patterns are evident in the descriptions of witches from early Greek to late Roman times? A: see class notes.
Trace the changing attributes and descriptions of Medea in all three texts? A: see class notes.
What are Barretts four formula for binding spells? A: comparison, persuasive analogy / performative utterance / invocation / wish.

Zachary Harrelson: zharrel@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

(obj.) What are the Greek and Latin terms for "binding spells?" (answer: Greek--katadesmos, Latin--defixio)
(SA) What conclusions can we draw about gender issues in ancient Greece and Rome by examining the representation of witches in each society?

Nick Backer

Which of the following was not one of Lucius' owners while he was a donkey? a) a baker b) a soldier c) a carpenter d) a wealthy businessman
Discuss and give examples of the descriptions and their associated perceptions of one Roman and one Greek witch as written in a primary source.

Robert C. Fraser

What are some obvious differences between Greek witches and Roman witches as well as some similarities? How does the society from which these witches come from have an effect on their being witches?
With respect to physical appearances...Greek witches are usually "Beautiful/Ugly" and Roman witches are primarliy "Beautiful/Ugly".Circle One for each case.

Nicholoas Katsaounis: nkatsao@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

Objective: How does Circe fit into the description of a witch? What powers does she have? What kind of a reaction do Ulysses sailors have towards Circe?
Subjective: How much VALID information can be obtained from ancient readings? Why or why not are they valid?

Christina Wilson: cwilson2@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

What are some constants that run thru the portrayals of greek witches? roman witches? (appearnce, connection with nature, ect)
What are some possible explainations for the differences in the portrayals of greek and roman witches? Be specific.

Michelle Arens: marens@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

Essay: How were the Greek Witches portrayed in literature as compared to the Roman ones in literature? Were there commonalities? What were the differences? Site examples from each period, making sure to list their authors and contexts.
Name 3 characteristics common to Greek witches in literature. (beauty, sexuality, not specifically evil, reactive, associated w/ nature) Name 3 Characteristics common to Roman witches in literature. (old, ugly, evil, threatening, overwhelming power)

Jay Munsch: wmunsch@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

What magical object does circe possess, according to homer? magic wand
explain how the witches studied in class support or refute the anthropological models for the belief in witchcraft? i.e. boundary maintenance or mobility model

Nicholas Katsaounis: nkatsao@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

Objective: Explain how the structure of ancient Greek and Roman society shaped the public opinion towards witches. (mobility-lack of mobility, no fear-fear)
Subjective: Explain why it is from the reading that witches in ancient Greece were considered beautiful and in ancient Rome ugly and hideous.

Barbette Spaeth: spaeth@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

Do the texts that we have studied regarding Greek and Roman witchcraft present an accurate portrayal of witches in the time period to which they refer? What problems are involved in assessing this question?
How do these texts point to one or more of the explanations (philosophical, biological, psychological, sociological) that we have studied regarding the linkages between women and (evil) witchcraft? Give examples of texts that support each of these explanations.
Give examples of texts that support three of the following theories regarding witchcraft:
- Witches represent people's deepest fears about themselves and their society. (Brain: "universal belief regarding witchcraft")
- Witches represent a reversal of all that is considered normal behavior in a particular society. (Brain: "universal belief regarding witchcraft")
- Beliefs in witchcraft (and in the power of witches) increase when people cannot move away from sources of tension and when societal structure is heavily hierarchical, causing a rise in envy in the population. (Brain: lack of mobility theory)
- Beliefs in witchcraft (and in the power of witches) increase when people feel that the social center has been disrupted by excessive change and hence either create a periphery against which the center may be redefined or form an alternative social center (Ben-Yehuda: boundary maintenance theory)
- Beliefs in witchcraft (and in the power of witches) increase when people feel insecure about their environment (Lindenbaum: ecological theory)
- Witchcraft can serve as a mechanism for social control of deviance through allowing the expression and mediation of conflict (McPherson: conflict mediation theory)
Analyze a particular text based on the questions we have developed.